BMW 3-Series M3 (07 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 04 August 2009
The M3 is a favourite of car enthusiasts. Its race heritage dates back to the 1980s, although at first the 2007 model seems far too well mannered to play the part of a road-going race car. Available as a saloon, convertible or coupe, there are some muscular styling additions to distinguish it from the standard 3-Series models, hinting at the car's potential. But at a time when most people seem to be concerned about carbon footprints than a carbon-fibre roof, BMW has performed the trick of increasing engine size and power output, while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. However, the M3 remains a thrilling drive and certainly able to stake a claim as the best driver's car in its class in the face of ever stiffer competition from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
5 out of 5

Other BMW reviews

Company Car Costs

P11D Value

The price of the car excluding road tax and first registration fee. This is used to calculate company car tax.

CO2 g/km

The carbon dioxide emissions of the car, which decides the company car tax band into which the car falls.

BIK Band

The percentage band used to calculate company car tax, determined by CO2 emissions of the car.

20% Tax / 40% Tax

The annual amount of company car tax payable based on the drivers income tax level, either at the basic rate or the higher rate.

M3 Dakar

2012 / 2013 2013 / 2014
Model P11D Value CO2 g/km BIK Band 20% Tax 40% Tax 20% Tax 40% Tax

M3 Coupe Dakar 2d

£52,975

295

15%

£1,589

£3,178

£1,589

£3,178

M3 Coupe Dakar 2d DCT

£55,510

285

15%

£1,665

£3,330

£1,665

£3,330

M3 Monte Carlo

2012 / 2013 2013 / 2014
Model P11D Value CO2 g/km BIK Band 20% Tax 40% Tax 20% Tax 40% Tax

M3 Coupe Monte Carlo 2d

£52,975

295

15%

£1,589

£3,178

£1,589

£3,178

M3 Coupe Monte Carlo 2d DCT

£55,510

285

15%

£1,665

£3,330

£1,665

£3,330

M3 Alpine

2012 / 2013 2013 / 2014
Model P11D Value CO2 g/km BIK Band 20% Tax 40% Tax 20% Tax 40% Tax

M3 Coupe Alpine 2d

£52,975

295

15%

£1,589

£3,178

£1,589

£3,178

M3 Coupe Alpine 2d DCT

£55,510

285

15%

£1,665

£3,330

£1,665

£3,330

M3

2012 / 2013 2013 / 2014
Model P11D Value CO2 g/km BIK Band 20% Tax 40% Tax 20% Tax 40% Tax

2d

£51,590

295

15%

£1,547

£3,095

£1,547

£3,095

M3 Convertible 2d

£55,600

309

15%

£1,668

£3,336

£1,668

£3,336

M3 Convertible (2010) 2d

£57,730

297

15%

£1,732

£3,464

£1,732

£3,464

M3 Coupe (2010) 2d

£53,635

290

15%

£1,609

£3,218

£1,609

£3,218

M3 Convertible 2d DCT

£58,190

293

15%

£1,745

£3,491

£1,745

£3,491

M3 Coupe 2d DCT

£54,180

285

15%

£1,625

£3,250

£1,625

£3,250

M3 Saloon 4d DCT

£54,810

263

15%

£1,644

£3,288

£1,644

£3,288

M3 Convertible (2010) 2d DCT

£60,375

269

15%

£1,811

£3,622

£1,811

£3,622

M3 Coupe (2010) 2d DCT

£56,280

263

15%

£1,688

£3,376

£1,688

£3,376